The transfer of ownership from STM to the university will occur approximately June 30, 2011. The building, located on Seminary Crescent on the U of S campus, currently serves as a residence for about 50 students from both STM and the U of S.

“Ogle Hall has been an important part of campus life and the Catholic community for more than 40 years, as a seminary up to 1996 and subsequently as a student residence,” said STM President Fr. George Smith, CSB. “The decision to sell was not an easy one, but we are grateful for the negotiations with the U of S that have led to this mutually beneficial agreement.”

The U of S purchased the building for $950,000 as part of the 2010-11 operating budget. STM College will use the proceeds from the sale to develop its Catholic studies program. The university will evaluate the options available for the building’s use when the transfer of ownership takes place.

“Ogle Hall will continue to operate as a residence during the 2010-11 academic year, after which students will have new options for on-campus housing,” said Richard Florizone, U of S vice-president finance and resources. “The new undergraduate student residence currently under construction is scheduled for completion, opening up additional spaces for students to live on campus.”

Built in 1966 and owned by the Roman Catholic Diocese of Saskatoon, the building originally contained facilities for 32 seminarians, including a chapel. It was later converted into a student residence operated by STM in 1996 and renamed Ogle Hall in honour of the former rector and member of Parliament, Father Bob Ogle, shortly after his death in 1998.

Visit www.stmcollege.ca/oglehall for more information.

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For more information, contact:

Luke Muller, Communications
St. Thomas More College
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-8918 Email: lmuller@stmcollege.ca

Teri Rosenfellt
University Communications
University of Saskatchewan
Tel: (306) 966-5659 Email: teri.rosenfelt@usask.ca